Chorley FC

Saturday non-league preview: Magpies face a battle to return to the top

CHORLEY make the trip to Derbyshire tomorrow to take on relegation-threatened Ilkeston Town on the back of a defeat that meant they missed the chance to go top of the Evo-Stik League Premier Division.

The Magpies remain in second, behind FC United on goal difference, after going down 2-1 at title outsiders Ashton United on Wednesday night.

Ashton took the lead in the ninth minute through Jason Gorton but after James Dean had a goal controversially ruled out for offside, captain Andy Teague restored parity for Garry Flitcroft’s side in the 52nd minute.

And that was the way it way it stayed until 11 minutes from time when Ashton scored their winner through Dale Johnson.

Chorley’s fourth loss in seven league matches blew the title race wide open. The top four teams, who all have eight games to play, are now separated by just three points.

Ramsbottom United, meanwhile, will aim to cement their place in the First Division North play-off places tomorrow with victory at mid-table Burscough.

After a three-match losing run Padiham will look to return to winning ways tomorrow at fellow strugglers New Mills, while Clitheroe are at Radcliffe.

In the North West Counties League Premier Division Colne are at home to Stockport Sports while second-from-bottom Bacup and Rossendale Borough travel to table-topping Runcorn Linnets in desperate need of a win.

Barnoldswick Town entertain Bootle.

AFC Darwen are at home to Widnes Vikings, while league leaders Nelson are without a match tomorrow.